Sinkyone Wilderness State Park

The Sinkyone Wilderness State Park, managed by the California Department of Parks and Recreation, is located along the southern boundary of the King Range National Conservation Area, this 7,500 acre park is primitive and managed as wilderness. Vehicle access and facilities are limited. Two county roads lead into the park; both are steep, narrow, and unpaved. Campers, recreation vehicles, and trailers are not recommended. During wet weather four-wheel drive may be required. Bring extra food and supplies in case you get stranded.

Directions: Usal Beach Campground, located at the southern end of the park, is reached by Mendocino County Road 431 (Usal Road) which intersects US HWY 1 at milepost 90.88 (17 miles west of Leggett). Access to Needle Rock, located at the northern end of the park, is about 36 miles southwest of Garberville and accessed by way of Briceland Road in Redway which becomes Mendocino County Road 435. County Road 435 dead ends in the Sinkyone Wilderness State Park.

Camping: Drive-in camping is limited to Usal Beach Campground. Environmental camping is available at Needle Rock and Bear Harbor. All campsites are primitive (table, fire ring, pit toilet nearby, no developed water source). Both locations serve as trailheads for a spectacular 17-miles section of the Lost Coast Trail. Trail camps for backpackers are located on the Lost Coast Trail between Bear Harbor and Usal Beach. All camping is available on a first-come, first-served basis (no reservations). Self-registration facilities are located at Usal Beach and Needle Rock. Visitors are required to self-register and pay appropriate fees.

Visitors may stay 15 nights in the Sinkyone Wilderness State Park during the "on season" or 30 nights during the "off season," for a total of 30 days all year.

Dogs: PROHIBITED on all trails, trail campsites, beaches and most environmental campsites. Permitted at Usal Beach Campground but must be on a least at all times and confined at night in a tent or vehicle.

Fires: Permitted only in fire rings provided for that purpose. Collection of dead or downed wood is prohibited. Driftwood may be collected from the beach areas and used for firewood. Firewood is also available from the Needle Rock Visitor Center ($6.00).

Trash: Trash containers are provided at Usal Beach Campground. In all other areas visitors are required to pack out what they pack in.

Vehicles: Permitted only on roads and designated parking areas, speed limit in the Usal Beach Campground is 15 MPH. All off-road "green sticker" vehicles are prohibited.

Hunting: Prohibited in all areas of the park. Possession of firearms is also prohibited.

Group Camping: Group camping facilites are limited to Usal Beach Campground. Groups of nine or more persons should contact the park for a "Group Use Permit."

Horse Camping: Permitted at Usal Beach Campground, Needle Rock, and Wheeler. Trailer parking is limited to Usal Beach Campground and turnouts along Usal Road. Horses are permitted on most roads and trails except: the Lost Coast Trail between Wheeler and Usal, and Whale Gulch north ot the park boundary due to safety considerations.

Bicycles: Permitted only on roads open to public vehicle-use.

Food Storage: Bear canisters are NOT required in the Sinkyone Wilderness State Park but take proper precautions when storing food. All scented items (food, lotions, toothpaste, hygiene products, trash, etc.) should be stored away from your campsite, NOT in your tent.

Ticks: Ticks are abundant in the Sinkyone Wilderness State Park. Wear light clothing in order to better see them, tuck your pant legs into your socks, use a product containing DEET, and check for ticks after your hike.

Elk: Be cautious around the Roosevelt elk. Cows are protective of their calves in the Spring and bulls are aggressive in the Fall mating season. Keep dogs away from elk.

A hiking map of the area can be obtained by sending a check in the amount of $12.00, made out to RGIA. Mail to: RGIA, 1600 US HWY 101 #7, Garberville, CA 95542